riverview | video; un: youradhere

Hi, guys.

[The man on the other end of the network smiles awkwardly. He's gearing up for a conversation, but drawing attention to himself is a new experience. The way he draws a breath and fidgets makes it obvious that he's still feeling out the network.]

So, this is definitely on the list of moments that make you think you might be dreaming. It sounds like we have people from just about everywhere here. Someone tell me this isn't the weirdest thing you've ever had happen to you. It'll make me feel better.

Before you got here, did any of you have strange things happen? You know, things out of fantasy movies or fever dreams for everyone else? What's the weirdest thing that you've ever seen?

[He laughs, mixing an exhale into it as he ducks his head.]

Sorry, I'm trying out the whole coaching thing. My name's Christian. Apparently I'm working with the Gramarye Magic Research people as a life coach, so if anyone wants to get a drink sometime and discuss tragic life choices, I have a really open schedule. I'd say we can do lunch too, but is that weird? I don't want to be weird.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Sometimes life takes magic. Christian can relate to 2B's answer. The essential place magic has in the world and the struggle of trying to accept it and understand it that humans always seem to face. The sadness in her voice reminds him of others. If magic is really necessary, sometimes it feels like a terrible price. But the alternatives leave no better option.]

Sometimes that's true. But I wouldn't have it any other way, I guess.

[Because, in the end, Christian loves that terrible, unpredictable world.]

Well, hopefully. I know some people don't like the idea of other people giving them advice when they barely know them, so I thought starting with introductions was probably better.

I can't relate if I don't ask, right?

I suppose that's true.

Well. You know me at least, now. Though there are others who responded to you too, I assume.

[Does it mean she will ask for advice in the future? Who can tell.]

[His awkward attempt at actually being visible for once is a big step, and he might not have gotten the whole invitation to counsel right, but at least he managed to get some conversations going. And they didn't even end badly!]

Yeah, I got a few hellos. What do I call you?

"2B" is fine.

[A short response, but a particularly weird one.]

2B. Um, okay.

[Is that really a name? He doesn't want to question her, but it's certainly a weirder answer than he was expecting.]

Is there a 2A?

No. There is A2 though. The A type is an older model and its designation is different.

[She pauses, realizing that an explanation is in order.]

I am an android.

[That should suffice.]

An android? Like a real- I mean, obviously real.

Wow. Are there other androids here too?

There was one. She was quick to leave though.

And yes, I'm real.

[Hard to say if she sounds amused or annoyed. Perhaps a little bit of both.]

I realize many worlds have no artificially created beings, or they're a rarity. However in the one I'm from, androids with appearance resembling human beings are common.

Oh... Did you know each other?

[It would be sad if they were friends, but if androids are like spirits, then a lot of them could exist without having any connection to each other. He wasn't sure if he should feel bad or not.]

Sorry. I guess it's just a little strange to actually talk to- This is my first time meeting an android.

Is the place you're from nice?

We did know each other, very well in fact. Her departure is... fine, though. It's her choice after all.

[2B nods, a slight smile of awkward sympathy on her face. A2 was always doing things her own way, and that never changed.

But her own expression is what changes now, into a far more solemn one.]

The place I'm from?

No, it's not nice. It really isn't. Compared to it, the Riverview Quarantine seems like paradise.

[It sounds like they might have been friends, which makes Christian's expression fall slightly into a subdued smile. He knows at least what it's like to lose friends. Even though 2B doesn't appear sad, he thinks it's hard not to miss people you know when they leave suddenly.]

I... can relate to that. I mean, this place seems pretty nice compared to home, too. What are you going to do now that you're here?

I have an opportunity to learn more about humans, their everyday lives, and work alongside them. So this is what I'm going to do for a time.

Eventually...

[A small breath's pause.]

I will follow in the other android's steps. I'm going to leave, and return where I came from.

[It was no secret to everyone, as far as 2B is concerned.]

Do you want to leave?

[That seems like the obvious question to him.]

If you could, would you stay here? You said it's a nicer place.

Don't get me wrong. I'm glad to be here, I feel like I have a great opportunity - one that was given to very few.

But I need to go back. Even if my own world is in a far worse shape...

[With hesitation, a small smile of nostalgia appears on the android's lips.]

I have important things to return back to. Especially now, that I know they are still there.

You have to go back for your friends?

[ Okay, he does understand that. The obligation to others because she cares what happens to them or feels responsible -- that is a feeling he relates to. ]

Yeah. But it's nice here... Maybe you can put off going back for a while.

video; un: youradhere

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